Fr. Chris Explains

What are plenary indulgences? How does one gain a plenary indulgence? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, discusses these “extra credit” of graces and the requirements that will help us gain the graces from the “Treasury of the Church.”Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the meaning of Pentecost? How does it prove marriage is between a man and a woman? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he sheds light on the third person of the Holy Trinity to prepare us to celebrate Pentecost. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The number of fallen-away Catholics in the United States has risen dramatically over the past 10 years and a Pew Research study reports that 50% of young Americans who were raised Catholic no longer are. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

We have all heard of Joan or Arc, but do we know the truth about her? What did she do and why was she so controversial? Who killed her and why? And what did she stand for? Hear Fr. Chris Alar as he separates fact from fiction, truth vs. legend of this saint.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

With all the suffering in the world, how does God provide for us? He provides for us in many ways, but one of the best ways is through the gift of his mother. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses the best way to receive all the graces of that gift — Marian Consecration.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Jesus gave us the Church and the Mother of the Church, Mary, to get us to Heaven. Let's fill Mother's Day with thanksgiving and gratitude for our mothers, both biological and spiritual, says Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and also give thanks for the gift of Mary, our Spiritual Mother. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Trust is a living faith – believing what someone tells you and acting on it. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC as he discusses the types of help God has given us to be able to trust and thereby accept the graces He offers us.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Jesus told St. Faustina of the abundant graces he wishes to lavish upon the souls that will trust in his Divine Mercy and fulfill His simple request to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday. Learn more about the promises from Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and hear the amazing story of Melissa Coles as she tells an account of something unbelievable.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

In Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus has given us an incredible gift of mercy and an incredibly easy way to attain it. So what was the promise Jesus made for this one day only and what two easy things do you need to do in order to receive this life-changing grace? You won't want to miss this episode.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Did you know that the Triduum is both a feast and a liturgical season? Why is there no consecration and full Mass during the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains each event in the Passion of our Lord leading up to His glorious Resurrection.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Go back to seminary with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explains the Transfiguration in a way that will inspire you. In one event, the Transfiguration of Our Lord, several truths of our faith from the Old Testament are fulfilled. Fr. Chris tells the significance of the appearance of Elijah and Moses and draws parallels between their experiences and Jesus' actions.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Bored at Mass? Not sure what is happening? Fr. Chris Alar walks you through the Mass and explains how every part comes from Scripture. You can't love what you don't understand, so now you can love the Mass by learning the Mass! In this episode, we discuss God's three greatest acts of mercy and how this relates to the greatest act of worship, the Holy Mass.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Spiritual warfare is real. This reality of demonic powers has always been a constant doctrine of the Catholic Church. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses why Satan hates man and why he wants us to fall as he did, trying to assert control through infestation, oppression, obsession, and possession.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Who is Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and what is her message? What is the Brown Scapular and what is Church teaching surrounding its wearing and the promises/graces attached to it? In anticipation of the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the story traditionally associated with its existence and the promises extended to those who wear it by Our Lady.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Learn why the devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is considered to be one of the four most important devotions in the Church. Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains how our sinful nature has separated us from God's holy presence and how it is only through Jesus' bloody sacrifice on the cross that we are washed from sin and reconciled with our Father. Learn justification for the Eucharist.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation? Why do we receive ashes? What are the Church's rules on fasting and abstinence? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC has the answers to these and other questions about the holy season of Lent that we are entering into.

In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, discusses the requests made by Our Lady at Fatima that, if followed by us, would ward off chastisements and lead to the Triumph of her Immaculate Heart. Among these were to pray the Rosary daily for peace, and also to observe First Saturdays to make reparation for the blasphemies committed against her. Fr. Chris explains why this is one of the "Big 4" of all Catholic devotions.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What is the devotion to the Sacred Heart? When did it begin and why? What does the devotion to The Sacred Heart have to do with the devotion to The Divine Mercy? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, to find the answers to these questions and more, about one of the most powerful devotions we have in the Church.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explains the opening of the holy season of Lent, a time to think about God and not ourselves – similar to how we think about our Valentines and not ourselves. 

As the central mystery of our faith, the Most Holy Trinity is the mystery of God in himself, one God in three distinct persons. In this episode Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, provides some insight on how we can come to understand this mystery which will never be fully understood by man.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What is the Hour of Great Mercy? Did Jesus ask St. Faustina to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy during this 3 o'clock hour? What are the promises associated with praying during this time? In the final episode of this 5-part series on the five channels of grace that were given to St. Faustina, Fr. Chris Alar discusses the meaning of the Hour of Great Mercy and the graces available for the asking.

What is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and why did Jesus give this most powerful prayer to St. Faustina? What promises did he make for salvation to all who would pray it? Learn all about how you can say this prayer to implore God's mercy on mankind, the dying, and all sinners by meditating on the merits of His Passion.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Novenas are very powerful prayers because they are an intense and persevering form of prayer. But what makes the Divine Mercy Novena — which is prayed between Good Friday and the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday — different from all other Novenas? And why did Jesus give specific groups that He wanted to be brought to Him? Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The Image of Divine Mercy is one of the three greatest images in the history of Sacred Art (along with the Shroud of Turin and Our Lady of Guadalupe). So what makes this icon so important? Why did Jesus say He wants it in every home and why did he offer so many promises to those who do? What is the theology behind it? In addition, there are several versions of the Divine Mercy Image. Which version has the most graces?Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What is the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday and why is it so critical today? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC as he discusses the 5 elements of the devotion to Divine Mercy. This week we discuss the Feast.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

We all know about Christmas time, but do we know why the traditions we have came about? When does Christmas actually begin and when does the Christmas season actually end? What is the true meaning of the season and why do we celebrate it on December 25.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

If you have ever wondered where some of our most treasured Christmas traditions originated, you'll be surprised to learn that many of them, including the Christmas tree and even Santa Claus, began from Catholic roots. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares some stories about the traditions of Christmas.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Why is St. Juan Diego's tilma called miraculous? Why is Our Lady of Guadalupe known as the protectress of life? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the events surrounding the apparition of Our Lady on the hill in Tepeyac near Mexico City and explains the miracles associated with the Tilma.... why it cannot be explained.

In this episode learn about the real meaning of the misunderstood and forgotten season of Advent and how it can help prepare us not only for Christmas, but for eternal life. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Join Fr. Chris as he discusses why Thanksgiving is a religious observance and why it is so important for us to express our gratitude to the Lord.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

As the most misunderstood and underappreciated person of the Trinity, we often fail to invoke the power of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. So we need to better understand Pentecost, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Is there a connection between the discipline required to excel at sports and the discipline required to excel in our faith? What does the Catholic Church teach about sports? Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

In this episode in anticipation of All Saints Day, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, talks about the saints; who they are and why we venerate them.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Can or should Catholics participate in celebrating Halloween? Fr. Chris shares the history of this holiday from its Catholic roots. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Do ghosts really exist? Yes, but who are they? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses Catholic Church teaching on ghosts and spirits, and the difference between prayer or veneration and necromancy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What makes the Catholic Church different from all other religions of the world is the Sacraments. Baptism impresses the Christian character in the soul, allowing the other sacraments. Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed. Fr. Chris Alar explains why this is so, mainly because it confers the first sanctifying grace and the supernatural virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Also, he explains why baptizing infants is actually in the Bible and is something that was done by Christians since the very beginning of the Church.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

We know that God is glorified in his angels and in his saints. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, speaks about a powerful example that combines them both: St. Faustina and the angels. Learn how God provides his angels to help us in our spiritual warfare and hear the 25-point “battle plan” given by God to St. Faustina that can help us today!Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Pope Pius X called St. Therese the greatest saint of modern times. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares more about this “little” saint; her life, her beliefs, and the role that Divine Mercy played in her spirituality.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

In this episode, join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the life and incredible stories of one of the greatest saints of modern times, St. Padre Pio. Learn about the stigmata (Christ's wounds) that he bore for 50 years and hear about some of his miracles and saintly virtues.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

See one of the most heart-warming stories we have ever featured on this show about an amazing place in Pittsburgh that will deeply affect you. Also, what are the Theological Virtues and do you know why the Church places such importance on them? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC answers these questions and many more on this episode of Living Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

All people old enough remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. But do you know the connection between that attack and the Holy Name of Mary? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses this connection.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Even going back to the Old Testament, the people of God have always had priests to mediate between them and God; to offer sacrifices in expiation for the sin of the people. Did the role of the priest change in the New Testament? And if so, how?Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Learn about the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes, France, when Our Lady revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception and then left us a powerful devotion that has given the world thousands of healings over the past 164 years. God's healing power continues in many unseen ways and through the work of many modern-day apostles, such as the Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Are angels real? How can we better receive their help? Can I name my Guardian Angel? Must we believe in their existence? What does the Bible say? For the answers to these questions and to hear amazing stories about the presence of angels in the lives of ordinary people, watch this new episode of “Living Divine Mercy” with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The "Domestic Church" is a little-known term but is of extreme importance. So much so, that if we lose it, society will cease to exist. In this week's episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the Church's teaching on the definition of the term and what it means for Catholics. He also shares an incredible example of a town that you wouldn't believe still exists today and how its inhabitants live out the essence of the domestic Church in their everyday lives.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

As the anniversary of Roe v Wade approaches, Fr. Chris discusses the pro-life teachings of the Church (why the Church is pro-life) and shares the powerful story of how Divine Mercy helped one woman to heal from her decision to end her unwanted pregnancy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What is the meaning of the meaning of the Wedding Feast at Cana and why does it explain Mary's role of intercession? Fr. Chris Alar discusses this and presents the most incredible story of Zion Clark, who you won't believe when you see. Join us for this powerful episode of Living Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

In this episode, Fr. Chris explains what the Epiphany is and why it is so important. This forgotten feast is full of graces - learn how to receive what God wants to give us. Also, a touching story of a little girl who had a big impact on those in her life.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

As Christians are we required to “forgive and forget?” Fr. Chris shares the answer to this question and enlightens us to exactly what asked of us from God and the mercy to be gained (for ourselves and for others) from forgiving.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

How do we respond when non-Catholics say that Mary must have had sin because then she wouldn't need a Savior? How do we respond when they say that the bible says, "All people have sinned"? Learn how to explain the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast day of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. And what is the connection to Divine Mercy? Learn as Fr. Chris and other Marians share why it is so important.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Christians since the first century have prayed for the dead. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC discusses why Purgatory exists and how we can know this based on scripture and experiences of the saints.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!